More than 400 alumni, students, staff and other well-wishers visited
Prince of Wales Public School
(POW) on Saturday for the school’s
125
th
Anniversary Celebration
. Participants pored over memorabilia including pictures of graduating classes from the 1950s and 1960s, old POW Panther jerseys and staff lists, and enjoyed live entertainment and a cake walk.

“People reminisced about some great memories of their time here, met old teachers and old classmates, and were able to see some of the learning spaces they were in,” said Principal Brad O’Neil. “I saw lots of people laughing and smiling and having a really, really great time.”

While visitors reviewed old honour rolls or played with heritage toys from the Brockville Museum such as spinning tops and hand-powered “acrobats,” others enjoyed entertainment from Healy and Orr, Elvis impersonator Kirk Francois, a magician and a dance performance by current POW students. Organizers offered guests a barbecued hotdog lunch, ice cream, drinks and popcorn throughout the day.

“I haven’t been in the school in a number of years and coming back brings many happy memories,” said graduate Brodie Church, a 38-year-old corporate trainer. “I’ve seen six of my old teachers and it’s been fun reintroducing ourselves. They’re all looking great and it’s been a really nice reunion.”